AEGiS-15IAC: Support for orphans and vulnerable children: learning from experience in Rakai, Uganda.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Support for orphans and vulnerable children: learning from experience in Rakai, Uganda.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. ThOrE1382)

Ahimbisibwe T, Witter SN, Calder G, Webb D
Save the Children (UK), Kampala, Uganda

ISSUES: From 1991-6 Save the Children UK ran a project in Rakai, Uganda, to support children made vulnerable by AIDS, poverty and conflict. It was considered to be highly succesful, but funding was stopped in 1996 and the project ended. The objective of this study was to revisit the site after a gap of 7 years, to assess what the long term impact had been on children and the community; whether the work had been sustained since SC left; and what other models of support had been developed since then. The underlying aim was to learn what approaches have proved to be effective and sustainable in the long term.

DESCRIPTION: Researchers held semi-structured interviews with children, local officials, probation staff and volunteers who had been involved in the project. Community focus group discussions were held. Donor and Ministry officials were consulted, as were secondary reports on Rakai.

LESSONS LEARNED: The project, which combined district capacity building with support to a network of community volunteers, appears to have left a positive impact, even after funding stopped. Many staff trained in the project are stil active and appear to have the confidence of the community. Awareness of rights is higher in former project areas and children report positive outcomes, especially from the mediation of property disputes. In terms of the wider picture, there have been many agencies working on OVC issues in Rakai since SC left, but they face some general problems, such as: lack of a common framework; poor coordination and information sharing; poor governance; inadequate financial allocations at all levels; and skewed allocation, both in terms of geographical areas and types of activities.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The model was successful and should be re-established, not only within Rakai, but on a wider scale. This requires renewed financial commitment as well commitment to transparency and better governance by all parties.

Keywords: AEGIS, Foster Home Care, Uganda, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Learning, Demography, Residence Characteristics, Research, Goals, Child Welfare, Child, Humans, economics, education, organization & administration

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ThOrE1382